Get Certified – starting July 12.

Enjoy this Michigan-Indiana area even more!

Find new places, share your photos, answer trivia, nominate a hero and win some great prizes with Certified Michiana!

 

Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana

Local Adventure Pack

Weekly Drawing!

Win Your Michiana Adventure… Dine and Be Entertained!

Enter our random drawing for a chance to win an exclusive “Michiana Adventure Pack” filled with tickets to upcoming shows, PLUS a gift certificate to a local restaurant or retailer!

This is your opportunity to experience the best of Michiana’s entertainment scene, discover new events, and treat yourself to a delicious meal or shopping spree.

Simply fill out an online entry form! New entries accepted for the drawing every month for the first four Mondays.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WEEKLY ADVENTURE PACK DRAWING (first four Mondays of each month). 

Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana

Week’s Best Pic

Michiana’s Best Picture Contest: Capture Your Community!

Think you’ve captured the essence of Michiana? Share your talents and submit your best photos featuring:

  • Local beauty: Stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, or vibrant gardens.
  • Community spirit: Festivals, volunteer events, or people making a difference.
  • The people of Michiana: Diverse portraits, candid moments, or cultural celebrations.
  • Michiana’s hidden gems: Architectural marvels, historical sites, or your favorite local hangouts.

Show us what makes Michiana special!

Upload your entries each week and a winner will be chosen to be featured.

Look out for new themes announced every Sunday throughout the year!

EASY ENTRY by hashtagging your photos with #CM and #BESTPIC.

USE THESE TWO HASHTAGS TOGETHER ON Facebook or Instagram: #CM #BESTPIC 

Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana

Weekly Trivia Challenge

Test Your Michiana Knowledge:

Calling all Michiana history buffs and trivia enthusiasts! Join our weekly online Trivia Challenge, where you can test your knowledge about the people, places, and events that make Michiana unique.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • New questions every Wednesday: Test your knowledge on a new Michiana-themed trivia question every first four Wednesdays of the month.
  • Convenient online entry: Registered participants will receive the weekly question directly and can submit their answers through the Certified Michiana website.
  • Engaging content: We’ll be reaching out to teachers, community members, and even past residents to contribute trivia questions, ensuring a diverse range of topics.
    Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana

    Mystery Scavenger Hunt

    Explore, Solve, and Win!

    Join us for a quarterly community-wide scavenger hunt filled with challenges, exploration, and the chance to win exciting prizes!

    Here’s what awaits you:

    • One thrilling hunt per quarter: Get ready to embark on a brand new adventure every three months.
    • Unravel the clues: Follow a series of cryptic clues posted on social media and hidden throughout Michiana locations.
    • Team up or go solo: Whether you prefer friendly competition or a solo challenge, the Mystery Hunt is open to everyone.
    • Connect with your community: Discover hidden gems and local points of interest as you navigate the hunt.
    • Win fantastic prizes: Be the first to complete the hunt and claim your bragging rights and exciting rewards!

    Ready for the challenge?

    • Stay tuned to our social media channels for hunt announcements and clue reveals.
    • Gather your team (or your courage) and prepare for an unforgettable Michiana adventure!
    Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana

    Big Game Booster

    High schools, get ready to supercharge your student attendance during key competitions with the Big Game Booster Program!

    What’s the Big Deal?

    • Exclusive Gift Packages: Participating schools will receive exciting prize packs filled with goodies for high-attendance games.
    • Raffle or Fundraising: You choose! Schools can raffle off the packs or use them as prizes within a larger fundraising contest to support athletic programs.
    • Boost School Spirit: Create a buzz and increase excitement for high school games with the Big Game Booster Program.

    Program Duration: Weekends from August to April

    Ready to Boost Your Attendance?

    Contact us to learn more and register your school for the Big Game Booster Program!

    Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana

    Celebrating Service

    Showcasing Appreciation for Our Local Heroes

    Every first and third Tuesday of the month, starting August 26th (a week before Labor Day Weekend), join us for a heartwarming initiative called “Serve Those Who Serve”.

    This program shines a light on the incredible contributions of our community’s service workers – the individuals who go above and beyond to keep our lives running smoothly.

    How it Works:

    • Recognition: We’ll release a video on the first and third Tuesday, recognizing one honoree.
    • Monthly Focus: Each month, we’ll recognize a different group – teachers, healthcare workers, senior citizens, military personnel, and more – highlighting their hard work and dedication.
    • Nominees: By posting videos on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram with the hashtags #CM and #SERVICE you’ll submit your nomination for Serving Those Who Serve Others.

    Together, let’s celebrate the amazing people who serve our community!

      What is Michiana?

      The name “Michiana” is a playful blend of “Michigan” and “Indiana,” and it won the hearts of locals in a 1934 contest organized by the Associated South Bend Merchants. Among the creative entries, Indiana politician Thurman C. Crook is often credited with this catchy name.

      You’ll hear “Michiana” all over the place, especially on local radio and TV stations in South Bend. Businesses love it too, as it attracts customers from both states. In 2016, a report revealed that Michigan residents are particularly fond of the term because it proudly features a nod to their state.

       

       

      Indiana Counties

      Michigan Counties

       

      Largest Cities in Michiana:

      Easy to find.

      Michiana is centrally located near several major cities in the Midwest. Here are a few key cities and their approximate travel times from the Michiana area:

      1. Chicago:
      – Distance: ~90 miles west
      – Travel Time: ~1.5 to 2 hours by car

      2. Indianapolis:
      – Distance: ~140 miles south
      – Travel Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours by car

      3. Detroit:
      – Distance: ~200 miles northeast
      – Travel Time: ~3 to 3.5 hours by car

      These travel times can vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but they give a good estimate of Michiana’s accessibility to major urban centers.

      Some of Michiana’s key attractions:

      And these are just a few. 

      Keep connected to Certified Michiana for notable events, day trips, hidden restaurants, and more.

      Michiana Certified is creating new connections to events and locations. We’ll help you explore the outdoors in new ways and find new restaurants, events, parks, and many other entities in the Michiana Community – that you didn’t realize were here.

      Check out our prizes for selfie scavenger hunts, quizzes, activity contests, and other giveaways with the assistance of sponsors, partners, and community entities.

      Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana
      Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana
      Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana
      Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana
      Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana
      Gas Up Countdown Certified Michiana